asleep

1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈslēp How to pronounce asleep (audio)
Synonyms of asleepnext
1
: being in a state of sleep
2
: dead
3
: lacking sensation : numb
4
a
: inactive, dormant
b
: not alert : indifferent

asleep

2 of 2

adverb

1
: into a state of sleep
2
: into the sleep of death
3
: into a state of inactivity, sluggishness, or indifference

Synonyms of asleep

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Adjective

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Examples of asleep in a Sentence

Adjective “Are you asleep?” “No, I'm awake.” He tries to clean up the house while the kids are asleep. The cats are asleep on the floor. She was still asleep at noon.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Since staterooms are clustered closely together, keeping voices down in hallways—especially late at night—shows consideration for neighbors who may already be asleep. — Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026 The video obtained by the group NorCal Bodycam and shared with ABC7 Bay Area appears to show the operator asleep before the train crashes into the rear of another train ahead of it, shattering window glass. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Adverb
Police in British Columbia are investigating after a viral video shows a woman fast asleep behind the wheel of a Tesla traveling at highway speeds. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 8 July 2026 Many children with insomnia before bedtime who use melatonin will be able to fall asleep faster and increase total sleep time by about a half-hour; some do not respond. — Sally Ibrahim, The Conversation, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for asleep

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English aslepe, from Old English on slæpe

First Known Use

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of asleep was in the 12th century

Phrases Containing asleep

Rhymes for asleep

See All Rhymes for asleep

Browse Nearby Words

as late as
asleep
a slice of life
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Asleep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asleep. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

asleep

1 of 2 adjective
ə-ˈslēp How to pronounce asleep (audio)
1
: being in a state of sleep
2
: lacking sensation : numb
my foot was asleep

asleep

2 of 2 adverb
: into a state of sleep

Medical Definition

asleep

1 of 2 adjective
ə-ˈslēp How to pronounce asleep (audio)
1
: being in a state of sleep
2
: lacking sensation : numb

asleep

2 of 2 adverb
: into a state of sleep
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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